The above quote comes from one of Edwards’s sermons; God’s Sovereignty in the Salvation of Men (Romans 9:18) found here:

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ACTS 4

Main Text Verses (1-12)

As Edwards explains, Romans 9:18 clearly shows God will have mercy upon (chose) whom He will and likewise, harden the hearts of whom He chooses. WHY? that is a question for the ages. Other than our Righteous God, creator, and ruler of all the universe, is entitled to do so. In the book of Job, his friends tried to justify it by blaming him for sinning, when he had done no such act. Why, did God harden Pharoah’s heart and not make him repentant? A question only God can answer. What we do know is God is sovereign, that is in complete control of the salvation of His chosen saints (those He has mercy upon) leaving them no other choice but to praise God for His mercy and Grace.

Similarly in our main text for today, we find a similar conclusion with a somewhat differing storyline. Here Peter and John have been arrested, supposedly for healing a sick man, and are brought before the magistrates. The Sanhedrin, questions by whose authority or by what power they do these things. Note the answer given by Peter:

v8 – Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them

Peter did not respond to the critics on his own accord he relyed upon the Holy Spirit for guidance

v.9 – the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

Peter asks if they are questioning the fact that they are being interrogated for doing a good deed to a disabled man.

v.10 -by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole

Peter explains in simple terms their authority comes from Christ Jesus, whom you crucified and God raised from the dead, that is whom we derive power.

v.11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

the same Jesus y’all crucified and cast away has become the cornerstone, the foundation block of eternal life.

v12 –  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Salvation (eternal life) can not be obtained in any other manner. Eternal Life is found in Christ alone, through Faith Alone, by Grace Alone.

Those whom God chooses, understand that it is only because of His Grace and praise Him for it constantly.

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What is predestination?